System Component

Operating Instructions

Model No.

SC-EH790 SC-EH590
The illustration shows SC-EH790 for the United Kingdom and Eastern Europe.
EB on the outer packaging indicates the United Kingdom. Before connecting, operating or adjusting this product, please read these instructions completely. Please keep this manual for future reference.

EB EP GN

RQT6866-B

Dear customer

Thank you for purchasing this product. For optimum performance and safety, please read these instructions carefully. These operating instructions are applicable to the following systems. These operating instructions, however, fundamentally explain the operation of system SC-EH790. [EH790]: indicates a function which can be enjoyed with SC-EH790 only. [EH590]: indicates a function which can be enjoyed with SC-EH590 only.

Supplied accessories

Please check and identify the supplied accessories. Use numbers indicated in parentheses when asking for replacement parts. AC mains lead. 1 For the United Kingdom For Australia and N.Z. (RJA0053-3X) (RJA0035-2X)

Table of contents

Before use
Safety precautions. 3 Caution for AC Mains Lead. 4

Safety precautions

Placement
Set the unit up on an even surface away from direct sunlight, high temperatures, high humidity, and excessive vibration. These conditions can damage the cabinet and other components, thereby shortening the units service life. Place it at least 15 cm away from wall surfaces to avoid distortion and unwanted acoustical effects. Do not place heavy items on the unit.

Simple set-up and play

Locating. Speaker leads. Antennas. Flat cables and AC mains lead. Listening to a CD. 8

System

Sound processor Tuner / amplifier CD changer CD player Cassette deck Front Speakers Center Surround

SC-EH790

SH-EH790 SA-EH790 SL-EH790 RS-DV290 SB-DV290 SB-PC95 SB-PS95

SC-EH590

SH-EH590 SA-EH590 SL-EH590 RS-DV290 SB-EH590 Note The included AC mains lead is for use with this unit only. Do not use it with other equipment. Remote control. 1 [EH790] for the United Kingdom [EH790] for Australia and N.Z. and Eastern Europe (EUR7702280) (EUR7702270) For Eastern Europe (RJA0019-2X)

Voltage

Do not use high voltage power sources. This can overload the unit and cause a fire. Do not use a DC power source. Check the source carefully when setting the unit up on a ship or other place where DC is used.
Control guide and preparatory steps
Front panel controls. The remote control. Turning DEMO off. Setting the time. 12 12

AC mains lead protection

Ensure the AC mains lead is connected correctly and not damaged. Poor connection and lead damage can cause fire or electric shock. Do not pull, bend, or place heavy items on the lead. Grasp the plug firmly when unplugging the lead. Pulling the AC mains lead can cause electric shock. Do not handle the plug with wet hands. This can cause electric shock.

CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT

Basic operations
CDs. The radio: manual tuning. The radio: preset tuning. Cassette tapes. 18 19

Foreign matter

Do not let metal objects fall inside the unit. This can cause electric shock or malfunction. Do not let liquids get into the unit. This can cause electric shock or malfunction. If this occurs, immediately disconnect the unit from the power supply and contact your dealer. Do not spray insecticides onto or into the unit. They contain flammable gases which can ignite if sprayed into the unit.
[EH590] (EUR7702070) CD changer or CD player (Back of product) Remote control batteries. 2
DANGER ADVARSEL VARO! VARNING ADVARSEL
INVISIBLE LASER RADIATION WHEN OPEN. AVOID DIRECT EXPOSURE TO BEAM. USYNLIG LASERSTRLING VED BNING, NR SIKKERHEDSAFBRYDERE ER UDE AF FUNKTION. UNDG UDSTTELSE FOR STRLING. AVATTAESSA JA SUOJALUKITUS OHITETTAESSA OLET ALTTIINA NKYMTNT LASERSTEILYLLE. L KATSO STEESEEN. OSYNLIG LASERSTRLNING NR DENNA DEL R PPNAD OCH SPRREN R URKOPPLAD. BETRAKTA EJ STRLEN. USYNLIG LASERSTRLING NR DEKSEL PNES OG SIKKERHEDSLS BRYTES. UNNG EKSPONERING FOR STRLEN. UNSICHTBARE LASERSTRAHLUNG, WENN ABDECKUNG GEFFNET.

Timer operations and convenient functions
Speaker leads (REE1234). 2 (Red/Black) (REE1233). 2 (Gray/Blue)
Antenna plug adaptor. 1 Only for the United Kingdom (SJP9009)
Using the timers. Changing the sound range display. Muting the volume. Using headphones. Enjoying karaoke (For Australia and N.Z.). External unit connections. Optional antenna connections. Using other equipment.
DO NOT INSTALL OR PLACE THIS UNIT IN A BOOKCASE, BUILT-IN CABINET OR IN ANOTHER CONFINED SPACE. ENSURE THE UNIT IS WELL VENTILATED. TO PREVENT RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK OR FIRE HAZARD DUE TO OVERHEATING, ENSURE THAT CURTAINS AND ANY OTHER MATERIALS DO NOT OBSTRUCT THE VENTILATION VENTS. DO NOT OBSTRUCT THE UNITS VENTILATION OPENINGS WITH NEWSPAPERS, TABLECLOTHS, CURTAINS, AND SIMILAR ITEMS. DO NOT PLACE SOURCES OF NAKED FLAMES, SUCH AS LIGHTED CANDLES, ON THE UNIT. DISPOSE OF BATTERIES IN AN ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY MANNER.

References

Troubleshooting guide. 38 Maintenance. 39 Cassette tape selection and care. 39 Technical specifications. Back cover

RQT6866

This product may receive radio interference caused by mobile telephones during use. If such interference is apparent, please increase separation between the product and the mobile telephone.
THIS UNIT IS INTENDED FOR USE IN MODERATE CLIMATES.
Caution for AC Mains Lead

(For United Kingdom)

(EB area code model only) For your safety, please read the following text carefully.
WARNING: DO NOT CONNECT EITHER WIRE TO THE EARTH TERMINAL WHICH IS MARKED WITH THE LETTER E, BY THE EARTH SYMBOL n OR COLOURED GREEN OR GREEN/YELLOW. THIS PLUG IS NOT WATERPROOFKEEP DRY.

Locating

The illustrations show SC-EH790 for the United Kingdom and Eastern Europe.

Components

CD changer or CD player Sound processor

Speakers

Optimum location Distance: A=B=C=D=E
If the plug contains a removable fuse cover you must ensure that it is refitted when the fuse is replaced. If you lose the fuse cover the plug must not be used until a replacement cover is obtained. A replacement fuse cover can be purchased from your local dealer.
1. Open the fuse cover with a screwdriver.

Cassette deck

Tuner/amplifier

Figure A

Sound processor
IF THE FITTED MOULDED PLUG IS UNSUITABLE FOR THE SOCKET OUTLET IN YOUR HOME THEN THE FUSE SHOULD BE REMOVED AND THE PLUG CUT OFF AND DISPOSED OF SAFELY. THERE IS A DANGER OF SEVERE ELECTRICAL SHOCK IF THE CUT OFF PLUG IS INSERTED INTO ANY 13-AMPERE SOCKET.
If a new plug is to be fitted please observe the wiring code as stated below. If in any doubt please consult a qualified electrician.

Approx. 6 mm

For your reference:
Information you enter into the units memory, except for time, remains intact for up to two weeks after the mains lead is disconnected.

CENTER

SURROUND

Listening to a CD

Front panel controls

A Tuner/amplifier

DIGITAL S.WOOFER

VOLUME UP

[EH790] Press DIRECT OPEN [DISC1] [DISC5] and insert a CD.

FPLAY/FREC

CLOCK/ TIMER
FM AUTO/ 6CH MONO DISCRETE INPUT

INPUT SELECTOR

TUNER/BAND DOWN

PHONES

TUNING MODE

TUNING

KARAOKE

ECHO MIC VOL

Press [/I] to turn the unit on.
[EH590] Press [<, OPEN/CLOSE] and insert a CD.

<= > ?

1 Standby/on switch (/I). 8 Press to switch the unit from on to standby mode or vice versa. In standby mode, the unit is still consuming a small amount of power. 2 Standby indicator () When the unit is connected to the AC mains supply, this indicator lights up in standby mode and goes out when the unit is turned on. 3 Play timer/record timer button and indicator (FPLAY/FREC). 31, Clock/timer button (CLOCK/TIMER). 12, 31, Demo button (DEMO). FM mode button (FM AUTO/MONO). Source input button (INPUT SELECTOR). Tuner/band button (TUNER/BAND). Digital super woofer button and indicator (DIGITAL S.WOOFER). 20 : Volume control (VOLUME). 8 ; Headphone jack (PHONES). 34 < Tuning mode button (TUNING MODE). 17 = Set button (SET). 12, 18 > Tuning buttons (X, W TUNING). 12, 17

FM AUTO/ MONO

RDS DISP MODE
@ [EH790\for\the\United\Kingdom\and\Eastern\Europe\ [EH590] RDS display mode button (RDS, PSDISP MODEPTY). 17 [EH790\for\Australia\and\N.Z.\ A Karaoke and echo buttons (KARAOKE, ECHO). 35 B Microphone jacks (1MIC 2). 35 C Microphone volume control (MIC VOL). 35

Label must face upward.

B CD changer/CD player
DIRECT OPEN DISC 1 DISC 1 RANDOM 2 REPEAT EDIT DISC 2 DISC 3 DISC 4 DISC 5 OPEN/CLOSE
[EH790] Total number Disc number of tracks Total playing time

D EF G H

RANDOM REPEAT EDIT OPEN/CLOSE

Press [!] to start play.

[EH790] Play starts from the first track on the disc in the play position and finishes at the end of the last track on the final disc (see below). You can start play from another disc by pressing [DISC, 15].

-- dB MIN

0 dB MAX

Track number

Elapsed play time

To stop the disc

Press [].

Final disc [EH790]

For example, if play starts from disc 4, disc 3 will be the final disc. Order of progression: Disc 4>5>1>2>3

To pause play

Note [EH790] You can not change CDs in other trays while a disc is playing.

Preparation: Press [CD] on the remote control or [INPUT SELECTOR] on the tuner/amplifier to select CD.

The radio: manual tuning

Radio stations can be tuned manually by selecting the stations frequency or they can be preset into channels to make it easy to tune ( page 18). Preparation: Press [/I] to turn the unit on.

A Direct access play

[EH790] Starts normal play from a selected track on a selected disc to the last track of the final disc ( page 8). [EH590] Starts normal play from a selected track to the last track.
Press [TUNER/BAND] to select FM or AM.
Each time you press the button: FMbAM
Press [TUNING MODE] to select MANUAL.
Each time you press the button: MANUALbPRESET
Press [TUNING (X or W)] to tune in the desired broadcast.
If you press and hold [TUNING (X or W)] for a moment, the frequency starts changing automatically. It stops when a station is found. It may also stop if there is outside interference. Press and hold [TUNING (X or W)] again to restart. You can also stop the frequency changing by pressing [TUNING (X or W)]. TUNED is displayed when a radio station is tuned. ST is displayed when a stereo FM broadcast is being received.
[EH790] 1 Press [DISC]. 2 Within 10 seconds or so Press [1]-[5] to select the disc. [EH790] (WMA/MP3 only) Press and hold [ALBUM (X or W)] to select the album. Select the track with the numbered buttons.
To select a 2-digit number e.g. To select track 21, press [S10/-/--]>[2]>[1] To select a 3-digit number [EH790] e.g. To select track 123, press [S10/-/--]>[S10/-/--]>[1]>[2]>[3] [EH790] Alternatively, press [4] or [5].
FM AUTO/ RDS MONO PS-DISP MODE-PTY

TUNER/BAND

If noise is excessive in FM A
Press [FM AUTO/MONO] to display MONO.
This mode improves sound quality if reception is weak for some reason but broadcasts are heard in monaural. Press [FM AUTO/MONO] again to cancel the mode. MONO goes out. MONO is also canceled if the frequency is changed. Turn off MONO for normal listening. Stereo and monaural broadcasts are automatically played as they are received.

Hold down [SET].

Release the button when AUTO MEMORY appears. The tuner presets all the stations it can receive into the channels in ascending order. FM stations are preset into channels 1 to 39, and AM stations are preset into channels 21 to 39. SET OK is shown when presetting is complete and the last station to be preset is played. ERROR is displayed if the tuner doesnt receive any stations. Do presetting manually if this happens (see below).
Press ["] (reverse side) or [!] (forward side).
Play begins and the indicator changes to green.

DECK 1

DECK 2
Forward side Tape facing down
Note AM stations replace any FM channels that were preset in channels 21 to 39.

To stop the tape

[A] To change the deck to be used
Press [DECK 1/2] to select the deck you want to play.

B Manual presetting

Preset the stations one at a time.

DOLBY NR

To listen to 2 tapes consecutively
Insert a tape into each deck and select f. Both tapes will be played 8 times each.
The station occupying a channel is erased if another station is preset in that channel.

REV MODE

Press [6] or [5] while the tape is stopped.
To find the beginning of a track (TPS: Tape program sensor)

C Selecting channels

Press [6] or [5] during play.
Play resumes from the beginning. Tape direction ! " Tape direction Each decks play direction is stored in the systems memory. You can fast-forward or rewind the tape while you are playing or recording a tape in another deck. Press [DECK 1/2] to switch to the deck not playing, and then press [6] or [5]. After the above operation, be sure to press [DECK 1/2] to reselect the deck playing. Note TPS may not operate correctly in the following situations: If the interval between tracks is less than 4 seconds. If there is noise between tracks. If there are silent parts within tracks. rewind fast-forward 5 6
Preparation: Press [] to turn the unit on.

On the remote control

Press [TUNER/BAND]. Press the numbered buttons to select the channel.
For channels 1 to 9 press the corresponding number. For channels 10 or over press [S10/-/--], then the two digits. e.g. To select channel 21: [S10/-/--]>[2]>[1]

Changing sound field and quality C
[EH790] Turn [MULTI JOG] to select FLAT. [EH590] Press [FLAT]. The indicator turns off. The changes you make are stored and automatically recalled the next time you select AI EQ.

[EH790]

Turn [MULTI JOG] to select a setting.
Each time you turn: HEAVY: Adds punch to rock. CLEAR: Clarifies higher sounds. SOFT: For background music HALL: Expands sound to make you feel like you were in a hall. AI-EQ: Adjust sound with the acoustic image equalizer ( page 21). M.EQ: Create your own effects ( page 22). FLAT: Canceled (no effect is added).
Press [EQ] to select a setting.
Each time you press the button: HEAVY: Adds punch to rock. CLEAR: Clarifies higher sounds. SOFT: For background music

Press [EQ].

MULTI CONTROL
[EH790] Turn [MULTI JOG] to select FLAT. [EH590] Press [FLAT]. Note [EH790] Turn off the effect if sound quality reduces when using HALL with a source.

SOFT LIGHT

Note [EH790] Turn off the effect if sound quality reduces when using SUPER 3D AI EQ with a source. You cannot select SUPER 3D AI 1 or SUPER 3D AI 2 while: Using a surround system ( page 23) Karaoke mode is on (SC-EH790 for Australia and N.Z. only page 35) Listening to the radio Using headphones

Enjoying surround sound

[EH790] The following chart gives a summary of this units surround features. It also shows additional effects that can be used to enhance your enjoyment. Note DTS, DTS Digital Surround and DTS Digital Out are regisAll the features are only effective if speakers are used. No discernible tered trademarks of Digital Theater Systems, Inc. effect will be heard through headphones. You may experience a reduction in sound quality when these surround Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories. systems and effects are used with some sources. If this occurs, turn the Dolby, Pro Logic and the double-D symbol are trademarks of surround system or effect off. Dolby Laboratories. When you turn on one of the surround systems, the indicator for the additional effects you can use also light.
Using the manual equalizer (M.EQ)
Create your own sound quality effects. SC-EH590 has three manual equalizers.

1 FLAT 2

[EH790] Turn [MULTI JOG] to select MANUAL. [EH590] Press [M1], [M2], or [M3] to select the equalizer you want to set.

Surround system

Features

B DOLBY PRO LOGIC 1 Press [ PRO LOGIC, OFF/ON].
Playback a Dolby Surround source.
Press [ PRO LOGIC, OFF/ON] so the indicator turns off.
While playing a source 1. Press [CH SELECT]. 2. Press [3] (to increase level) or [4] (to decrease level).

C SUPER SURROUND

Press [SUPER SURROUND] and select MOVIE or MUSIC.
The indicator turns green. Each time you press the button: MUSIC>MOVIE>STEREO SOUND (off) ^-------------------------------------------------}
Press [SUPER SURROUND] to select STEREO SOUND. The indicator turns off.

Surround effects

[EH790] These effects can be used with the surround systems described on page 24. Refer to the chart on page 23 for details on which effects can be used. These effects are available when the corresponding indicators are alight.

VIRTUAL REAR SURROUND

Press [SEAT POSITION].
The indicator flashes green.

CENTER FOCUS A

Press [CENTER FOCUS].
While the indicator is flashing (within 10 seconds)
Adjust the seat position with [2, 1, 3, 4].
The indicator flashes for 10 seconds then lights green.

MULTI REAR SURROUND

Press [CENTER FOCUS] so the indicator turns orange.
1 Press [AV EFFECT]. 2 Press [2] or [1] so the CENTER FOCUS indicator flashes. 3 Press [3] (ON) or [4] (OFF).
1. Press [SEAT POSITION] so the indicator flashes. 2. Press [SEAT POSITION] again while the indicator is flashing so it turns orange.
1 Press [AV EFFECT]. 2 Press [2] or [1] so the SEAT POSITION indicator flashes. 3 Press [3] (ON). 4 Adjust the seat position with [2, 1,3, 4]. To turn it off, after steps 1 and 2 press [4] so the indicator turns orange. Note The seat position is remembered by the unit and is reactivated when you turn seat position on again. When used with virtual rear surround, seat position is changed in 3 horizontal steps.

VIRTUAL REAR SURROUND B

Press [VIRTUAL REAR SURROUND].
Press [VIRTUAL REAR SURROUND] so the indicator turns orange.
1 Press [AV EFFECT]. 2 Press [2] or [1] so the VIRTUAL REAR SURROUND indicator flashes. 3 Press [3] (ON) or [4] (OFF).

s VOLUME r

MULTI REAR SURROUND C
Press [MULTI REAR SURROUND].
Press [MULTI REAR SURROUND] so the indicator turns orange.
1 Press [AV EFFECT]. 2 Press [2] or [1] so the MULTI REAR SURROUND indicator flashes. 3 Press [3] (ON) or [4] (OFF).

(On the sound processor)

Before recording (Deck 2 only)
Note [EH790] You cannot record when [6CH DISCRETE INPUT] is selected.

Press [EDIT].

Recording starts. In the meantime, CD EDIT will scroll across the display. After edit-recording has finished, the cassette deck automatically stops.
( Dolby noise reduction, page 19)

To stop editing

Press [] on the CD changer or CD player. The cassette deck also stops. EDIT OUT scrolls across the display.
Press [REV MODE] to select the reverse mode.
Each time you press the button: b: One side only records. d and f: Both sides record (forward >reverse). f automatically changes to d when [ REC PAUSE], [EDIT] or [TAPE EDIT] is pressed.
To edit programmed tracks
Program the tracks ( page 15) and press [EDIT].

Forward side

Tape facing down
Press [DOLBY NR] to select Dolby NR on (NR appears) or off.

Recording the radio A

Preparation: Do the preparatory steps ( page 28).

Using the timers

The play timer
Tune to the required station.

( page 17 or 18)

The deck goes into the recording standby mode and the play indicator " or ! starts flashing.
This timer starts play of the selected source at the selected time. The example shows settings for preset radio channel 1 to play between 6:30 and 7:40 at j48 dB. Preparation: Turn the unit on, set the time ( page 12), preset radio stations if you want the timer to start playing the radio ( page 18).
Press ["] recording.

(reverse side)

or [!]

(forward side)

to start
1 Press [CLOCK/TIMER] to select FPLAY.
Each time you press the button: CLOCK>FPLAY>FREC>Original display ^-----------------------------------------------------------}
To temporarily stop recording
Press [ REC PAUSE]. The deck goes into recording standby mode. To resume recording press ["] or [!] with the flashing indicator.
2 Press [SET] within 3 seconds.

Tape-to-tape recording B

Preparation: Do the preparatory steps 1 and 3 ( page 28). Insert the tape to be recorded in deck 1.
Follow these steps to set items a to d. 1 Press [TUNING (X or W)] to select the condition required and 2 Press [SET].
a Start time b Finish time c Source TUNER()CD()TAPE ^------------------------------J Insert a CD or tape if you select these sources. If you select TUNER Select a preset channel. d Volume
Set the tape direction on both decks.
1 Press [DECK 1/2] to select DECK 2. 2 First press ["] or [!], and then []. Repeat steps 1 and 2 for deck 1.

Press [TAPE EDIT] to start recording.
The indicator " or ! shows deck 2 direction. If either deck 1 or deck 2 stops, the other deck also stops.
Press [/I] to turn the unit off.
FPLAY/FREC indicator remains illuminated to show the play (or record) timer is on.
Press []. Both decks will stop.
To enjoy another source while recording
Start playing the other sound source. You can change the volume level and tone quality without affecting the recording. Note The recording level and the noise reduction effect of the original (playback) tape will be recorded on the new tape.
The timer starts at the set time with the volume increasing gradually to the set level.

To cancel the timer

Press [FPLAY/FREC] so FPLAY goes out. Each time you press the button: FPLAY>FREC>FPLAY FREC>Light off (OFF) ^---------------------------------------------------------------} The play timer will be canceled, but the settings stay in the memory.
When you insert cassettes in decks 1 and 2, deck 1 has priority.

MHz CH FPLAY

TAPE EDIT
The play timer is now on standby. The display shows each condition again then restores the original display.

The record timer

A The play and record timers
Turning the timers on and off
The timers come on at the set times if the FPLAY/FREC indicator is on. They can be turned on and off by pressing [FPLAY/FREC].
This timer records the radio at the set time. The example shows settings for recording preset channel 1 from 18:30 to 19:30. Preparation: Turn the unit on, set the time ( page 12), preset radio stations ( page 18).

Checking the timers

Press [CLOCK/TIMER] to select FPLAY (or FREC). The timer conditions are shown in the following order: Play timer: Start time>Finish time>Source>Volume Record timer: Start time>Finish time>Selected radio station The timers can be checked even if the unit is off.
1 Press [CLOCK/TIMER] to select FREC.
Follow these steps to set items a, b and c. 1 Press [TUNING (X or W)] to select the condition required and 2 Press [SET].
a Start time b Finish time c Preset channel The record timer is now on standby. The display shows each condition again then restores the original display.

[b] Peak-hold display

The peak sound value of each sound range is held on the display for about one second after it occurs.

[c] Aurora display

(On the sound processor) The peak sound value of each sound range is displayed in inverted form.

1-MIC-2

Karaoke CDs and tapes MONO L: Only left channel sound (No vocal) MONO R: Only right channel sound (Vocal) Select no vocal for karaoke. Vocal and no vocal may be reversed. Normal music CDs and tapes VOICE MUTE: Voice mute (Lowers vocal volume)

Muting the volume B

Press [MUTING].
Volume is reduced to minimum.

MONO L

Start playing the CD or tape. Adjust the main volume and microphone volume.
Press [KARAOKE] to clear the display.
To record your performance
Start recording in deck 2 and then start singing. Ensure the voice mode is set to off (at step 2 above) when playing the recording.
Press [MUTING] again. MUTING goes out and the volume is restored. To cancel from the tuner/amplifier, turn [VOLUME] to minimum ( dB), then raise it to the required level. Muting is also canceled when the unit is turned off.

MONO R

Note The karaoke modes cannot be used with the radio, SUPER 3D AI EQ, 6CH DISCRETE INPUT or surround effects. Voice mute may not function sufficiently or noise may interfere when using the following software. Monaural software Software with few musical instruments, including classic music and poetry recitations Software with duets or strong choruses VOICE MUTE reduces the level of the vocals but does not cancel them out completely.

V.MUTE

Reduce the volume before connection.
Avoid listening for prolonged periods of time to prevent hearing damage. Plug type: 3.5 mm stereo

Original display

Using the echo effect A
VOLUME UP MIC VOL DOWN MIN MAX

Press [ECHO].

Each time you press the button: ECHO 1>ECHO 2>ECHO 3>OFF ^----------------------------------------------------}

RQT6866 RQT6866

Using headphones (not included) C
When using the VOICE MUTE function
DVD player with 5.1ch output Sound processor

AUX (DVD)

L/R OUT (MIX)

L R SUBWOOFER R R

External unit connections
Turn off all units before making connections. Refer to the manual of the other unit for details. (Cables and equipment not included.) Stereo phono cable (not included) White Red
Optional antenna connections

Use outdoor antennas if radio reception is poor. Tuner/amplifier

DVD 6ch INPUT

CENTER SURROUND FRONT L L

FM outdoor antenna A

Disconnect the FM indoor antenna. The antenna should be installed by a competent technician.

(L) (R)

For the United Kingdom and Eastern Europe

FM outdoor antenna

AM outdoor antenna B
Run a piece of vinyl wire horizontally across a window or other convenient location. Leave the loop antenna connected. Note Disconnect the antenna when the unit is not in use. Do not use the antenna during an electrical storm.

Connections to SC-EH790

[A] DVD player with 5.1ch output

SUBWOOFER

75h FM ANT AM ANT LOOP EXT
75 coaxial cable (not included)

SURROUND L/R

This unit has the input terminals for 5.1ch surround systems but it does not have the decoders necessary to play them back. The DVD player should have these decoders and 5.1ch output.
To record sound from the DVD player

FRONT L/R

For the United Kingdom only
Use the antenna plug adaptor included.

Connect to AUX (DVD).

Subwoofer
The included front speakers have superwoofers, but you can enhance surround sound from a unit connected to DVD 6ch INPUT by connecting another subwoofer to SUBWOOFER terminal. DVD player/Laser disc player (without 5.1ch output), etc. Sound processor
AUDIO L/R OUT AUX (DVD) L R

Using other equipment C

Listening to an external source
For Australia and N.Z. A ANT
FM 75h GND AM ANT LOOP EXT
[B] DVD player/Laser disc player (without 5.1ch output), etc.
This unit has Dolby Pro Logic circuitry. The sound will be reproduced with the same powerful stereophonic effects found in movie theaters.
Press [INPUT SELECTOR] to select the external source.
Each time you press the button: [EH790] TUNER>CD>TAPE>VCR (EXT)>AUX (DVD) ^-------------------------------------------------------------} [EH590] TUNER>CD>TAPE>AUX ^--------------------------------------}
[C] Video cassette recorder
You can enjoy the sound from your video cassette recorder.
1 Remove a piece of the outer vinyl.
Connections to SC-EH590 [D] DVD player/Laser disc player/Video cassette recorder, etc.
Press [VCR/AUX/6CH INPUT] (SC-EH790) or [AUX] (SC-EH590).
Video cassette recorder Sound processor

VCR (EXT) OUT IN L R

You can enjoy the sound from your DVD player/Laser disc player/ Video cassette recorder, etc.

Shield braid

Core wire AM loop antenna

Operate the unit.

See the units manual for details on operation and connection.

AM ANT LOOP EXT

To enjoy Dolby Digital and DTS

page 24

If the erasure prevention tabs have been removed, cover the holes with adhesive tape. L
ERROR is displayed. U70 is displayed. F60 is displayed. : appears on the display.
When there is a television set nearby
The picture on the TV disappears or stripes appear on the screen. The location and orientation of the antenna are incorrect. If you are using an indoor antenna, change to an outdoor antenna. The TV antenna wire is too close to the unit. Separate the antenna wire of the TV set from the system.
The display starts up even after the unit is turned off.
The remote control doesnt work. Check the batteries are inserted correctly. ; Replace the batteries if they are worn.
The CD changer or CD player
All components are required to service the system. If service is ever necessary, bring the entire system. The display is wrong or play wont start. The disc may be upside down. 8 Wipe the disc. Replace the disc if it is scratched, warped, or nonstandard. Condensation may have formed in the changer or player due to a sudden change in temperature. Wait about an hour for it to clear and try again. There is a problem with the CD mechanism. (A power failure may have occurred.) The tray will open automatically. Remove the CD from the tray, and after ensuring there is no CD in the tray, close it. The unit will make the disc changing noises for a few moments and then it should operate normally.

Maintenance

If the surfaces are dirty
To clean this unit, wipe with a soft, dry cloth. Never use alcohol, paint thinner or benzine to clean this unit. Before using chemically treated cloth, read the instructions that came with the cloth carefully.
Cassette tape selection and care
The unit can correctly play or record on the following types. It identifies the type automatically. Normal position/TYPE I High position/TYPE II
[EH790] TAKE OUT/DISC appears on the display.

Listening to the radio

Noise is heard. The stereo indicator flickers or doesnt light. Sound is distorted. A beat sound is heard. A low hum is heard during AM broadcasts. The correct AM frequency cant be tuned in. Use an outdoor antenna. U

Metal position/TYPE IV

For a cleaner crisper sound
Turn the TV off or separate it from the unit. Separate the antenna from other cables and leads. Clean the heads regularly to assure good quality playback and recording. Use a cleaning tape (not included).

Tapes exceeding 100 minutes are thin and can break or get caught in the mechanism. Tape slack can get caught up in the mechanism and should be taken up before the tape is played. Endless tapes can get caught up in the decks moving parts if used incorrectly. Use tapes appropriate to this units auto-reverse mechanism.
Change the frequency step. Hold [TUNER/BAND] down for 10 seconds to change the step to 9 kHz.

Technical specifications

SOUND PROCESSOR

EQ/SFP section

MANUAL GEQ 5-Band EQ Center frequency 70/300/1 k/3.15 k/10 k Hz Level control n2.0, 4.0, 6.0 dB EQ/Space mode [EH790] 4 modes HEAVY, CLEAR, SOFT, HALL EQ mode [EH590] 3 modes HEAVY, CLEAR, SOFT SUPER 3D AI EQ [EH790] 3 modes AI EQ, SUPER 3D AI 1, SUPER 3D AI 2

FM tuner section

Frequency range Sensitivity S/N 26 dB S/N MONO Antenna terminal(s) 87.50108.00 MHz (0.05 MHz steps) 1.8 V (IHF usable) 1.5 V 70 dB (75 dB, IHF) 75 (unbalanced)

FRONT SPEAKER

Type Speaker(s) Super woofer Woofer Tweeter 3 way, 3 speakers, Bassreflex 17 cm cone type 12 cm cone type [EH790] 6 cm ring shaped dome type [EH590] 6 cm cone type Impedance High 6 , Low 8 Input power (Music) High 60 W, Low 120 W Output sound pressure level [EH790] 87 dB/W (1.0 m) [EH590] 84 dB/W (1.0 m) Crossover frequency [EH790] 120 Hz, 4 kHz [EH590] 150 Hz, 4 kHz Frequency range [EH790] 42 Hz50 kHz (j16 dB) 46 Hz36 kHz (j10 dB) [EH590] 42 Hz22 kHz (j16 dB) 46 Hz20 kHz (j10 dB)

AM tuner section

Frequency range 5221629 kHz (9 kHz steps) 5201630 kHz (10 kHz steps) Sensitivity (S/N 20 dB) 500 V/m

Timer section

Clock Function Quartz-lock type Play timer (1 time, daily), Rec timer (1 time, daily), Sleep (120 min, 30 min intervals) Setting intervals (Play/Rec) 1 minute23 hours 59 minutes (1 min intervals)

Pre-amplifier section

Input sensitivity/impedance VCR (EXT) [EH790] AUX(DVD) [EH790] AUX [EH590] Output level [EH790] VCR REC OUT PRO LOGIC mode CENTER mode DELAY TIME 250 mV/15 k 250 mV/15 k 250 mV/15 k 150 mV/1.5 k SURROUND NORMAL 20 ms (Fixed)

General

Dimensions (WtHtD) Mass 240k412k259 mm 5.8 kg
DOLBY PRO LOGIC section [EH790]
Power supply (For the United Kingdom, Australia and N.Z.) AC 230240 V 50 Hz (For Eastern Europe) AC 230 V 50 Hz Power consumption [EH790] 190 W [EH590] 160 W Standby 0.5 W Dimensions (WtHtD) 293k118.5k345 mm Mass [EH790] 5.2 kg [EH590] 5.0 kg

CENTER SPEAKER [EH790]

Type 2 way, 3 speakers, Bassreflex Speaker Woofer(t2) 8 cm cone type Tweeter 6 cm cone type Impedance 8 Input power (Music) 160 W Output sound pressure level 86 dB/W (1.0 m) Crossover frequency 4 kHz Frequency range 100 Hz22 kHz (j16 dB) 115 Hz20 kHz (j10 dB)

0403WHC02 Technics DV-290

23/1/04

Page 20
Technics SC-DV290 # Home Cinema System

Technics SC-DV290 530

With its chunky looks, this Technics is decidedly hi-fi retro. Can its performance make it part of the home cinema future?
he Technics SC-DV290 looks like a throwback to the mini hi-fi packages that were so popular in the early 1990s, and as such it seems a bit gaudy and outdated compared to todays minimalist lifestyle systems. The main unit comprises four components that are connected via a custom-link cable. They can be stacked on top of one another or side-by-side, depending on your preference.
Despite the lack of a subwoofer, the SC-DV290 has an impressively powerful and dynamic sound
For anyone who likes chunky looks, bold displays and excessive buttons, the SC-DV290 is a very well-equipped home cinema system, combining a five-disc DVD/CD changer, twin-tape cassette deck and a plethora of sound settings than you can shake a stick at. It even claims DVD-Audio playback, but actually plays discs in non high-resolution format only a bit of a disappointment.
The speaker package is an unflattering mix of compact satellites (not pictured) and two large front stereo speakers with retro styling, and no dedicated subwoofer. Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1 surround sound is catered for, but theres no Dolby Pro-Logic II processing to convert stereo material into a near-digital surround experience yet Technics Super Surround mode makes a respectable alternative. Given the systems many features the remote control is, thankfully, well laid out and easy to operate. Setup is relatively stress-free and utilises a neat set of onscreen menus to tailor the system to your TV. Theres also a quick setup menu, and comprehensive sound settings can even tailor the performance to your position within the room.

Bright lights

Press the power button and the Technics lights up like a Christmas tree, automatically running through its demo mode to show off its main features. Thankfully this routine can be switched off once you become familiar with the systems capabilities. Place a disc onto the loading tray and the mechanism clunks and whirs into action.
What Home Cinema March 2004

Page 21

The resulting pictures from Catch Me If You Can on DVD are very respectable, with strong colours and solid black levels. But its not the cleanest picture we have seen, and theres some evidence of picture noise in the banking hall sequences. Resolution is also weak, and details are jagged and poorly defined as the camera moves down the prison corridor, with patterning on the prison bars.

Hidden depths

Despite the lack of a dedicated subwoofer, the SC-DV290 has an impressively powerful and dynamic sound. Theres a built-in two-level digital subwoofer that produces plenty of thunderous bass using just the front speakers, sounding almost as good as a
dedicated sub. The room is filled with Catch Me If You Cans 1960s soundtrack, but the blend of small satellites and full-sized speakers is not perfect, and can sound thin and scratchy. Dialogue shows up the systems greatest weakness. It sits awkwardly between the rich and fulsome stereo speakers, making voices sound nasal and disconnected from the rest of the system. However, the dialogue enhance mode helps to make these voices sound more focused and
anchored to the TV screen, bringing more subtle dialogue to the fore.

Amp angst

Another minor weakness is that the amplifier is quite noisy, and hisses during quieter passages. Yet the SC-DV290s musical capabilities are very respectable when playing Starsailors Silence is Easy album, and the large stereo speakers deliver a good performance with the soaring strings and pounding bass. And DVD-Audio playback is an added bonus. The Corrs In Blue sounds rich and powerful in 5.1 mode, even though the system is unable to deliver high-resolution sound. The Technics SC-DV290 may be a bit retro, but its performance is up-to-date, with respectable results. The disc-changer is a novel touch and you get plenty of bang for your bucks, but this system is likely to appeal only to those who have a nostalgic longing for hi-fi mini systems of bygone days. WHC

GOOD POINTS

Good specification, five-disc DVD/CD changer, good picture and sound

PERFECT PARTNERS

TEST SCENES

CRT OR LCD TELEVISION

CATCH ME IF YOU CAN

BAD POINTS

Dated styling, bulky stereo speakers, no high-res DVD-Audio playback, garish and complex display

OVERALL

Its retro styling wont appeal to everyone, but the Technics gives a good performance and its one of the few home cinema systems to feature a disc multi-changer

PANASONIC TX-32PS5 820

A 32in Dolby Digital CRT TV thats very reasonably priced, easy to set up and offers excellent pictures

SHADY ACTIONS

Colours are good, but subtle details are difficult to make out in the dimly lit banking hall and theres some fizzing picture noise in the darkness

RATINGS

Style Ease of use Features Picture Sound Value Overall ######$$$$ ########## ########$$ ########$$ ########$$ #######$$$ #######$$$

SHARP LC-22SV2E 1,200

This LCD screen is guaranteed to show off the exceptional picture quality of the Technics system

NOT ALL PLANE SAILING

Surround effects are reasonable, but planes taking off at the airport change character as the effect moves from front to rear speakers